Often times people tell me that they were baptized, but believe they were saved before their baptism because salvation is by "faith ONLY." And my usual response to that is: "Well, if you were saved before your baptism, then for what BIBLICAL reason were you baptized?

   Most churches today teach that baptism is a command for the SAVED to obey, while a few (like Prince St.) teach that it is a command for the LOST to obey. Which is it? Is baptism a command for the saved or the lost to obey?

   I believe the answer resides in understanding what the BIBLE says baptism is for and does:

   The Bible says that baptism is FOR SALVATION because Jesus said, "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved,..." (Mark 16:16). Also, Peter wrote that "baptism now saves you" (1 Peter 3:21)... Fill in this blank: The _____ (lost, saved) need to be baptized to be saved.

   The Bible says that baptism is FOR FORGIVENESS OF SINS because Peter preached: "Repent,and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Fill in this blank: The _____ (lost, saved) need to repent and be baptized to be forgiven of their sins.

   The Bible says that baptism WASHES AWAY SINS because Saul was told, "Arise, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16). Fill in this blank: The _____ (lost, saved) need to be baptized to wash away their sins.

   The Bible says that baptism PUTS ONE INTO CHRIST (Galatians 3:27), where are said to be ALL spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) such as redemption (Ephesians 1:7), forgiveness (Colossians 1:14), grace (2 Timothy 2:1), and the promise of life (2 Timothy 1:1). Fill in this blank: The _____ (lost, saved) need to be baptized to be in Christ to have redemption, forgiveness, grace and the promise of life.

   In view of all that the BIBLE says is accomplished in baptism, two things should be obvious: (1) Baptism is a command for the LOST to obey; and (2) churches who teach baptism is a command for the saved to obey are NOT teaching BIBLE baptism and salvation.